Pharos Debuts Mediator 4 To Drive Multiformat Workflow At NAB 2009

The Pharos Mediator 4 content management platform makes its US exhibition debut at Stand SU8902 at NAB 2009 in Las Vegas, between April 20-23.
Mediator 4 delivers an all new user interface with advanced search and browse at every desktop. Mediator 4 also improves workflow integration using the optional Pharos Playtime playout, Pharos Pilot Studio and MCR control.
Pharos solutions now offer a wider range of options to improve the workflow throughout broadcast and new media operations in today's world of multiple media formats and broadcast standards.
Russell Grute of Pharos said: "Mediator 4 can help make end-to-end broadcast processes easier and more efficient. A wider range multiformat content preparation processes can now be managed from the new intuitive user interface with metadata, workflow, search and browse at every desktop.
"Working with our customers, we are aiming to deliver highly efficient channel supervision and delivery. Mediator 4 is also scalable, allowing new multi-language services, HD channels or VOD services to be added. Pharos user interfaces run on standard PC and Mac browsers using high performance plug-ins such as Adobe Flash and Apple Quicktime. This now allows operations to be distributed to any location. From ingest, QC and compliance, right through to approvals, playout and publishing, Mediator enables creativity and productivity almost anywhere.
"Improvements to Mediator's remote browse capabilities can allow direct streaming of browse material to be prepared for SD, HD and VOD services to every desktop. This can also be extended to third-party post-production, subtilting and graphics houses. This allows Mediator to drive the workflow for the most complicated content and promotions in transmission or distribution order."
A wider range of content preparation efficiencies from Pharos will be introduced at NAB 2009. These include:

• Streamlined ingest workflows, including easier metadata entry and retrieval, speeds up the processing of multiformat content from tape, disc (such as Sony XDCAM) or files. Mediator now offers integrated library management, ingest and QC workflow to increase ingest and encoding productivity. Ingest throughput is also improved by up to 20% using parallel processing for tasks such as language tagging and rewrapping. New resource-sharing capabilities optimise the use of expensive third party infrastructure such as Flexicarts, VTRs and encoders. Mediator also handles a wider range of file types side by side including MXF, Apple Quicktime and Avid DNxHD. Additional content such as promotions, commercials and subtitles produced remotely by third-party systems can also be uploaded centrally by Mediator as part of the workflow.
• A wider range of third-party QC solutions have also been integrated with Mediator workflow. These include Amberfin iCR, Interra Baton and Tektronix Cerify. Russell Grute added: "Each of these solutions offers a range of specialist features. The Mediator 4 platform gives broadcast network managers the freedom to select the best third-party QC system required to reduce on-screen errors and improve their throughput.
• Pharos Event Templates simplify the creation and delivery of complex secondary events such as 'coming up next' graphics, creidt squeezes and promotions. Frame-accurate markers can be added at any stage in the Mediator workflow to assist graphics design and trigger promotions during playout using the Pharos Playtime playout option. Cross-channel promotions can also be managed using Event Templates to simplify the delivery of graphics where schedules across multiple channels are changing.
• Pharos Management Reports give insight into system workflow, loading and performance. Every action in Mediator is tracked in real time against business priorities such as the schedule or service level agreement. Mediator Dashboards provide live information to determine optimal allocations of infrastructure and resources. Examples are real-time display of exceptions needing urgent attention, such as low free space on a server or material not yet approved or ready for transmission. Mediator workflow states such as QC pass/fail or TX approved can also be reported in accordance with service level agreements to measure and improve business performance and continuity.

Pharos staff attending NAB 2009 include: David Barnes, Russell Grute, Roger Heath, Alan Hoggarth, Carl Manning and Steve Robinson.
(KMcA/BMcC)